Leota Ferne Parrish Obituary (1923 - 2011)

Ferne was born January 10, 1923 to George Wm. and Lillian Mae (Clark) Marker at Norwood, Iowa; in Lucas County. She was afflicted with Osteomelitis at a young age of 13. Education came hard. After a semester in the 9th grade at Knoxville High School she decided to quit. In later years, some night classes helped her aquire her G.E.D. Certificate. Ferne did lots of different jobs. During WWII she sewed Air Force jackets, gloves and overalls at the Ankeny Ordinance plant before it closed. Lastly, she worked at the statehouse for eleven years before retiring. She enjoyed music of all kinds, embroderied quilts, and worked geneology for years. She enjoyed her foster son, and all the happiness he and later on grandchildren brought to she and Gaylard. On Februaray 4, 1950 she was united in marriage to Gaylard E. Parrish of Osceola. Ferne and Gaylard lived in Des Moines and Polk County for over 50 years before moving to Indianola. Preceding her iin death were her parents; husband Gaylard in July 2010; brother Kermit Marker; sisters Carlene Hlad, Doris Lohner and Evelyn Curtis; a special nephew Kermit Lohner, niece Darla Lohner, and great nephew Michale Cox. Left to mourn are son Kevin Thomasson and wife Julie; granddaughters Melissa and Kori Thomasson; three step-grandchildren; five nieces and two nephews plus a host of other family and friends. She had joined the Wesley United Methodist Church in 1954 and her strong faith in God has helped her through many tough times. A friends and family visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, May 27, 2011 at Peterson Funeral Home in Indianola. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, also at the funeral home. Interment will follow in Maple Hill Cemetery, Osceola, Iowa. Memorials will go to Hospice of Central Iowa.